Arsenal and National Geographic team up to promote tourism in Rwanda

Arsenal FC, English football giants, has teamed up with National Geographic Partners in a three-year partnership. The agreement continues the club’s ties with the country and will highlight tourism opportunities in Rwanda.

Visit Rwanda was named Arsenal’s official sleeve partner in May 2018 as part of the country’s bid to become a leading global tourist destination. Serious questions were raised at the time on the £30 million sponsorship deal. People wanted to know why the President of Rwanda would want to spend so much money when his country is one of the poorest countries in the world.

New content will be produced by the Disney-controlled joint venture to highlight the tourism opportunities on offer through the Premier League club’s official partner, the Rwanda Development Board and made available through National Geographic’s digital and social travel platforms.

Peter Silverstone, Arsenal commercial director, said: “For over 130 years, National Geographic has been inspiring millions of people all over the world through groundbreaking storytelling from the best and brightest scientists, explorers and photographers. This new partnership will provide the perfect platform to share Rwanda’s story, and the incredible experiences the country offers.”

Rwanda has recently come under the spotlight for its lush flora and fauna, and the haven it has created for gorillas, despite the country’s poor economic status. In September 2018, Arsenal legends Lauren and Alex Scott visited Rwanda and attended Kwita Izina, a gorilla naming ceremony.